CANDLEMAS

Saturday

Jan 3, 1998 at 12:01 AM

Candlemas commemorates the ritual purification of Mary 40 days after the birth of Jesus in accordance with Jewish law. Celebrated on Feb. 2, its name comes from the custom of blessing the candles that were carried in the celebratory processions.

In many countries, Candlemas is considered the end of the Christmas season, the day when decorations could be taken down and stored. Christmas plants would be burned with the remnants of the Yule log and the ashes spread over the gardens to ensure a good harvest. The Yule log for next year would be chosen then. Candlemas was the forerunner of Ground Hog Day, because it was believed if it was a sunny day, there would be 40 more days of cold and snow. Today's symbol is the last one in the Herald-Journal's holiday series.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.